Neutrophils, also known as polymorphonuclear leukocytes, are the most abundant type of granulocytes. As the most abundant type of white blood cells in most mammals, neutrophils are an essential barrier for host defense. Impaired development, maturation, function, and death of neutrophils lead to abnormal conditions in the immune system, which can initiate autoimmune disorders. The precise role of neutrophils in inflammatory autoimmune disease is poorly understood. Research advances in neutrophil biology and the role of neutrophils in systemic autoimmune disease will hopefully not only better define how neutrophils contribute to autoimmune disease but also identify potential, novel therapeutic targets for treatment of inflammation and autoimmune disease.

In recent years, neutrophils have emerged as players in the pathogenesis of various systemic autoimmune diseases and autoinflammatory syndromes. The objective of this special issue is thus to provide an opportunity for researchers and clinicians to publish results from their original basic, clinical, or translational studies on the multifaceted roles of neutrophils in the initiation, development, and pathogenesis of systemic autoimmune diseases. We also welcome reviews that focus on recent research in the field of neutrophils and autoimmune diseases.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Aberrant development and maturation of neutrophils in autoimmune diseases
• Abnormal activation of neutrophils and inflammation
• Ligand recognition by and intracellular signal transduction in neutrophils in inflammatory conditions
• Mechanisms of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation in chronic inflammation
• Impaired neutrophil death and autoinflammation
• The mechanism and role of NETs formation in autoimmune disorders